Warning signal system



July- 7, 1942. D. R. WHEELER WARNING#l SIGNAL SYSTEM Filed April 6, 19595 Sheets-Sheet l OFF oN oFF DOCK-Whee/er T-ro R N EYs WITNESS July 7,1942. D. R. WHEELER WARNING SIGNAL SYSTEM Filed April e, 1939 5Sheets-Sheet 2 @ggz ATTOR N EYS WITNISS July 7, 1942 D. R. WHEELER2,289,279

WARNING SIGNAL SYSTEM Filed April 6, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR l;ATTRNEYS WITNESS July 7, 1942. D. R. WHEELER "WARNING SIGNAL SYSTEMvFiled April 6, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 1,717 h e/e/Z er INVENTOR EmfwuMLA,

ATTORNEYS WITNESS July 7, 1942. D. R. WHEELER 2,289,279

WARNING S IGNAL SYS TEM Filed April 6, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 97@ av@ 'EM'hen' und? 53x19- f@- l l 0 O. .l I 93o j L BQO 9166 982' 14S/fl W*9621)/1/964 m .LJf/o Le iw: apa l l e921 99H I l l' 99.2 l

:.- FIRE REGISTER -aaa 99 92a 62 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS WITNESS PatentedJuly 7, 1942 UNITED STATES 'PATENT [OFFICE WARNING SIGNAL SYSTEM Dock R.Wheeler, Lake Charles, La. Application April 6, 1939, Serial No. 266,370

2 Claims. (Q1. 20o- 106) My invention relates to Signalling systems, andhas among its objects and advantages the provision of a systemparticularly adapted to buildings such as hotels and the like forsignalling ilres and unauthorized entry into the different roomsthroughout the building, in addition to setting lire extinguishingmachinery into operation as well as signalling fire departments, policestations and the like.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a iront elevational view of a signal board incorporated inmy system;

Figure 2 is a rear view of the structure of Figure l;

Figure 3 is an elevational view of the mechanism inside the boardillustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a detail view of a switch drop door incorporated in theboard of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a sectional detail view of one type of switch employed inthe switch drop door of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a `sectional view of another type of switch associated withthe door of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a detail View of a portion of one of the switch parts;

Figure 8 is a sectional view of one of the lamp units;

Figure 9 is a face view of a portion of the signal structure;

Figure 10 is a view of a different signal lamp;

Figure l1 is aiace view of another signal unit; Figure l2 is a sectionalview of one of the switch mechanisms; and

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view of the circuit generally.

In the embodiment selected to illustrate my invention,. I make use of acabinet I0 having a door I2 hingedly connected at I4 with the cabinet.Door I2 is provided with a vertical bar I6 for ornamental purposes,which bar is located intermediate the vertical sides of the cabinet.Door I2 includesva glass face I8 vand the door includes side walls 2U, abottom wall 22 and a top wall 24 arranged to have edge-to-edge relationwith the corresponding walls 26, 28 and 3U, respectively, of the cabinetstructure illustrated in Figure 3. Door l2 is provided with a verticalpartition 32 having its ends connected with the walls 22 and 24intermediate their ends so as to provide chambers 34 and 36 designatediire and burglar, respectively, as indicated at 38 and 46 in Figure l.Above the wall 30 of Figure 3, I provide a chamber 42, and the door I2is provided with a facing 44 which covers the chamber 42. Facing 44 isprovided with a small door 46, which door is provided with a clothcovered opening 48 across which extends three ornamental bars 56. Insidethe chamber 42 I mount a bell 52 and a buzzer 54. Bell 52 is associatedwith the re chamber 34, while the buzzer 54 is associated with theburglar chamber 36.

Door I2 is provided with a partition 56 which parallels the glass faceI8 but is spaced there- -from as illustrated in Figure 8. Partition 56is associated with each of the chambers 34 and 36. Figure 1 illustratesthe chamber 34 as being provided with identifying numerals 58 runningfrom vI to 20. Chamber 36 is provided with similar identifying numerals66 which also run from I to 20. The numerals 58 and 68 vmay be printedon the glass I8 and are located directly in front of electric lamps 62.Each identifying numeral is associated with one lamp 62. All the lampsare of the same type and mounted in the same manner so that thedescription of one lamp mounting will apply to all.

Figure 8 illustrates one of the lamps 62 and the mounting therefor. Wall56 is provided with an opening 64 in which I position a collar 66 havinginternal threads 68. Collar 66 is xedly secured to the partition 56 bybolts 'I0 which pass through openings in the flange 12 and are threadedinto the partition. One of the electric lamps 62 is supported axially ofa sleeve 'I6 threaded at 16 for connection with the collar 66. Lamp 62includes a contact sleeve 88 tting snugly in an insulating collar 82threaded into the neck 84 of a partition 86 inside the sleeve 16. Aninsulating washer 88 is mounted on the collar 82 adjacent the neck 84and is clamped against the latter through the medium of a contact ilange90 having a neck 92 threadedly related to the contact sleeve 88. Flange90 abuts the insulating washer and draws the sleeve 94 of the electriclamp against the insulating washer 82 as it is turned down on thethreaded sleeve 80.

To the flange 96 I connect an electric wire 96, and the central terminal98 of the electric lamp is arranged to engage a spring conductor Ill!)`having its end I62 xedly secured through the medium of the terminalscrew |84 anchored to the sleeve 16, but insulated therefrom. The secondelectric wire is illustrated at |06 as being electrically connected withthe spring conductor |80. One end of the sleeve 'I6 carries a feltwasher IUS arranged in engagement with the inner face of the glass I8.Because of the ring |68, the light rays Vfrom the lamp 62 is confinedinside the light chamber |||i which is aligned with the identifyingindicia 50 associated with that lamp. Thus each lamp is associated withan individual light compartment sealed from the other compartments sothat an illuminated lamp will clearly illuminate the identifying indiciaassociated therewith. In other words, the lamps 62 in the chamber 3ddesignate the rooms in the building, which is also true of the lamps inthe chamber 36.

The sleeves 'i6 are removably mounted on the partition 56, and aneiective light-tight relation is established between the sleeves and theglass |6 by turning the sleeves tightly against the rings |68. Thus allthe sleeves are individually accessible by merely swinging the door |22to an open position.

Inside the cabinet structure of Figure 3 l mount a switch mechanism ||2in association with the chamber 3i and a switch mechanism ||l| inassociation with the chamber 36. The mechanisms are identical inconstruction and operation so that the description of one will apply toboth. Referring to Figures 3 and li, a frame ||6 is ar ranged verticallyin spaced relation with one of the side walls 26. ln association withthe frame |6 I provide a drop frame ld, which is hingedly mounted at |26with the lower end of the frame |6. Figure 3 illustrates the normalrelation between the frame i6 and the drop frame itl, but Figure 4illustrates the drop frame im swung outwardly and downwardly 180 degreesfor the purpose of illustrating the specic construction of the twoframes.

Speciiically, frame ||6 includes four upright bars |22 interconnected attheir lower ends by a frame member |26 and at their upper ends throughthe medium of frame members |26. Drop frame H8 also comprises four bars|26 connected into a unitary structure through the medium of cross framemembers |301 and |32. Drop frame M6 is of the same configuration andproportions as the frame H6. Figure 3 illustrates the frame ||6 as beingprovided with a lever Mid pivoted thereto at |36, which lever includes ahook |36 for connection with a hook |50 carried by a bar |42 associatedwith the drop frame M6. To the drap frame H8 I connect a sleeve |44which slidably receives the bar |62, and the sleeve is provided with aset screw |46 for securing the bar |42 in different positions.Engagement between the hooks |38 and |46 supports the frames H6 and H8in the manner illustrated in Figure 3, and the frame ||8 is biased awayfrom the frame I6 through the medium of a tension spring |48. Frame H8may be released for movement away from the frame ||6 by moving the lever|34 downwardly in the direction of the arrow |50 for bringing the hooks|38 and |66 out oi holding relation. When the hooks are disengagedvframe H falls back a short distance, which distance is determined by thespacing between a resilient bumper |52 on the frame H6 and a bumpingwheel |56 carried by a lever |66 pivotally connected at |50 with anupright frame |60 iiXedly related to the wall 26.

On the bars |22 I mount a plurality of switches |62, three switches |618and one switch |66. Switches |66 and |66 are arranged in a rowtransversely of the frame i6 at its bottom end. There are twenty of theswitches |62, which correspond to the number of the lamps 62 in thechamber @Il or the chamber 36. For the sake of definiteness, the presentdescription will be directed t0 aaeaare the switches and circuitsassociated with the chamber Sid.

Figure 5 illustrates the specific construction of the switches |62. Acontact blade |66 is positioned between two insulating blocks H6. Aresilient contact blade H2 is positioned between one of the blocks |l6and an insulating block i'lll. Blades |66 and |'|2 and the blocks il@and are provided with aligned openings -ior the reception of insulatingsleeves |i6 through which I pass bolts |10 for connecting all the partsinto a unitary structure. Thus the blocks H0 and |71@ denne a body |66which is secured to one of the bars |22 for mounting purposes. One o theblocks and the block lili, as Well as the spring contact blade H2, areprovided with aligned openings for the reception of an insulating sleeve|32 into which a terminal screw |64 is threaded to have conductingrelation with the blade |66. A wire |66 is connected with the terminalscrew |641. Similarly, the block |743 is provided with a threadedopening for the reception of a terminal screw |83 having conductingrelation with the blade |i2. A wire |96 connects with the terminal screw|66.

Blade il? may be flexed into conducting relation with the blade |68.Such exing is brought about by moving the drop frame ||i| to the latchedposition of Figure 3. However, unlatching of the frame H6 frees theblade H2 so that it will move to the full line position of Figure 5. Toconsummate conducting relation between the blades |l12 and |66, lprovide the drop frame ||6 with a plurality of switch arms |92 havingheads |66 for engagement with the blades H2 for iieX- ing the same intoengagement with the blades |66 when the drop frame ||8 is moved to itslatched position. Switch arms- |92 are xedly and adjustably related tothe bars |26 through the medium'of nuts |96, so that the arms may beprecisely adjusted with respect to their respective switches |62. Frame||6 is also provided with three switch arms |98 which are arranged inoperative relation with the three switches |64. One of the bars |28 isprovided with a switch arm 200 associated with the one switch |66.Switch |66 is identical in construction with the switches |62, but theswitches |64 are diierently constructed as illustrated in Figure 6.

Flexible blade 202 is anchored between insulating blocks 204 in the samemanner as the blade |68, but the blade 202 is resiliently urged intopressure relation with a blade 206 fixedly anchored between one block264 and a block 208. The Wire 2I0 is electrically connected with theterminal screw 2|2 electrically related to the blade 202. Wire 2M iselectrically connected with the terminal screw 2|6 which is electricallyrelated to the blade 266. Blade 202 is flexed out of conducting relationwith the blade 206 when the drop frame ||6 is in the latched po sitionof Figure 3. 1n other words, moving the drop frame to its latchedposition brings the switch arms |98 into pressure relation with theblades 202 for flexing the same away from the blades 266.

inside the cabinet structure I mount two upright supporting posts 2|6,one post being associated with the chamber 34| and the other post withthe chamber 36. Since the posts perform similar functions and areassociated with the same mechanism, the decription will belirnited tothe post in association with the structure of the chamber iil. Post 2|6and the frame ||6 carry a cross support 226 upon which I mount anelectric coil 222. Above the coil I position an armature 224 whichcarries a contact plate 226 arranged to be attracted by the coil 222when the latter is energized. Armature 224 is pivotally connected at 228with the post 2|8, and one end of the armature includes a pressure element 230 arranged in vpressure relation with one end of the lever |34for pivoting the same in the direction of the arrow |50. To the oppositeend of the armature 224 and the cross support 220 I connect a tensionspring 232 of sufiicient tension to hold the armature 224 in theposition of Figure 3, but the spring will yield when the coil isenergized to permit the armature to be pivoted downwardly. A post 234 isprovided with stop screws 236 which may be adjusted to control thepivotal movement of the armature 224. In the normal position of Figure3, the armature 224 is held in contact with the upper stop screw 236because of the'spring 232. Lever |34 is urged in the direction of thearrow 233 by reason of a tension spring 240 having one end connectedwith the lever and its opposite end connected with a bracket 242. Spring240 is of such tension as to pivot the hook end of the lever downwardlyinto the path of the hook |42 and for holding the opposite end of thelever in pressure relation with the rlement 230. Hooks |38 and |40 havecam ends 244 which have camming relation when the drop frame ||8 ispushed home to the position of Figure 3 for consummating hooked relationbetween the two hooks.

Lever |56 is provided with a bracket 246 to which I connect one end of atension spring 248, the opposite end of the spring being connected witha bracket 250 carried by the upright |60. A resetting shaft 252 isconnected with the lower end of the lever |56 through the medium of apin 254 slidable in a slot 256 in the lever. One end of the shaft 252 isprovided with a knob 256 accessible from a position exteriorly of thecabinet for manipulation purposes. Figure 3 illustrates the lever |56 inthe normal position. When the drop frame ||8 is unlatched it fallsagainst the upper end of the lever |56, and the frame may be reset tothe position of Figure 3 by exerting a pull on the resetting shaft 252.Such a pull will pivot the lever |56 about its axis |58 for pivoting theroller |54 to the right when viewing Figure 3, which movement pushes thedrop frame home. Drop frame I|8, when positioned according to Figure 3,holds all the switches |62 and the switch |66 closed and the switches|64 open. When the drop frame is unlatched, the frame permits all theswitches |62 and the switch |66 to open and the switches |64 to close.

Projecting from the outer face of the plate i8 near its bottom areswitch knobs 258, 260, 262, 264 and 266, all of which are grouped withthe chamber 34. Each knob includes a pointer v 268, and the plate I8 islabeled to define the functions of the switches. Figure 1 illustratesthe switch knob 258 labeled fire extinguisher, as illustrated at 210.Switch knob 260 is labeled rire department, as illustrated at 212, whilethe switch knob 262 is labeled call guest, as indicated at 214. Switchknob 264 is labeled "guest light, as indicated at 216, while the switchknob 266 is labeled alarm cut-oil, a-s at 218. I mark the plate I8 toread off and on for each of the switches 258 to 266, as indicated at 280and 282, respectively.

Projecting from the outer face of the plate A354 which supports thebearing 350.

I8 in association with the chamber 36. are switch knobs 284, 286, 288.290 and 292. Switch knob 284 is labeled "police call, as at 294, whileswitchknob 286 is labeled call guest, as at 296. Switch knob 288 islabeled guest light, as at 298, while switch knob 290 is labeled alarmcut-oir," as at 300. Switch knob 292 is labeled wire cut-01T, as at 302.Each of the knobs 284 to 292 is provided with a pointer 304, and

each pointer is associated with oi and' on marking as at 306 and 308,respectively.

Legends 210 to 218 lie within the perimeter of a box3|0 located adjacentthe inner face of the plate I8. Similarly, the legends 294 to 302 liewithin the perimeter of a box 3|2. Each box is provided with an electriclamp for illuminating the reading matter lying within its perimeter.Both boxes and the lamps associated therewith are identical inconstruction and operation so that the description of one will apply toboth. Referring to Figure 10, box 3|0 includes a bar 3|4 which supportsa lamp 3|6 connected with a base 3|8 supported by the bar 3|4. Electricwires 320 and 322 are electrically connected with the lamp 3|6. Box 3|0includes T-shaped members 324 which are secured to the partition 56 anda ilange 326 having its lower edge secured to the wal1,22. Box 3|0 isslotted at 328 for the reception of bolts 330 carried by the T-irons 324to permit adjustment of the box toward and away from the plate I8.Between the box and the plate I position a light sealing gasket 332which contines the zone of illumination within the box 3|0.

A similar box 334 is associated with the chamber 34 for illuminating thearea of the plate upon which the term fire is printed, Similarly, a box336 is associated with the chamber 36 for illuminating the term burglar.Boxes 334 and 336 are provided with lamps 338 and 340, respectively.

Figure 12 illustrates the specific construction of the switch associatedwith the knob 258, which construction is identical with the constructionof the switches associated with the knobs 260, 262, 264, 266, 284, 286,288, 290 and 292. The knob is connected with a shaft 342 to which thepointer 268 is fixedly connected. Shaft 342 includes a crank 344, andone end of the shaft is rotatably journaled at 346 in a wall 348 locatedin a common plane with the plate |8 at its lower\` end. The opposite endof the shaft 342 is rotatably supported by a bearing 350, and a tensionspring 352 has one end connected with the crank and its opposite endconnected with a bracket rIhus the spring 352 yieldingly holds the crank344 in either of two positions as it is swung beyond dead center towardeither of said positions. The wall 348 carries two stop pins 356 againstwhich the finger 358 of the crank may strike for limiting the freemovement of the crank.

To the inner face of the wall 348 I connect arms 360 and 362 providedwith right-angular ends 364 and 366, respectively. A wire 368 iselectrically connected with the arm 360, and a wire 310 is electricallyconnected with the arm 362. Fixedly connected with the inner end of theshaft 342 is a switch arm 312 which is fashioned with diverging elements314 arranged to provide a grove within which the end 364 may lie. Theswitch arm is aslo provided with diverging elements 316 within which theend 366 may lie. Fingers 360 and 362 are so fashioned as to have slightpressure relation with the elements 314 and 816 so as to insure eectivebridging relation with the switch arm 812. Figure 12 illustrates theswitch closed.

Referring to Figure 13, room No, 1 is indicated at 318 and room No. 2 at388. These rooms correspond to the lamps numbered 1 and 2, as ndicatedby the indicia. 58 of Figure 1. Only two of the rooms are illustrated,since the rooms and wiring therefor are similar so that one or two roomswill sufficiently illustrate the circuits. Rooms 318 and 388 are eachprovided with a fire extinguisher 382 and a thermostatic switch 384.Wires 386 and 388 extend to al1 the rooms, and each thermostatic switchis wired to the line 386 by a wire 390. Figure 13 illustrates two of thelamps 62, which lamps are numbered 1 and 2,

respectively. A wire 382 leads from the lamp r No. 1 to the reextinguisher 382 in room No. l, while a wire 364 connects the reextinguisher with the wire 386. Contact 886 associated with thethermostatic switch 884 in room No. l is electrically connected with thewire 382 through the medium of a wire 886. A wire 488 connects the lamp62 with a source of current 482, Which may comprise a battery. Wire 386is also connected with the battery. It will thus be seen that closing ofthe switch 384 in room Nol 1 will close the circuit through the lamp 62which is numbered l. Switch 384 is sensitive to temperature so as toclose when the room is endangered by re. Lamp 62 carrying the number 2is connected with the wire 488 through the medium of a wire 404 and isalso connected with a wire 486 which connects with a wire 486 leading tothe contact 4|0 of the switch 384. Wire 488 connects with the fireextinguisher 382 in the room No. 2, and the lire extinguisher isconnected with the wire 388 through a Wire 412. Closing of the switch384 closes the circuit through the No. 2 lamp 62.

Figure 13 illustrates the four bars |28 of the drop frame ||8, but onlythe four upper switches |62 are illustrated for the sake of clearness.These bars are'- illustrated individually so as to more'clearlyillustrate their action. Figure 13 also A,illustrates the bars in thelatched position of the drop frame |18. In addition to the four upperswitches |62, I illustrate the three switches |64 and the switch |66. Itwill be noted that the four switches |62 are closed and that the threeswitches |64 are open, while the switch |66 is closed. Wire |90 of theswitch |62 in the position 4|4 is connected with the wire 392 whichleads to the re extinguisher 382 in room No, 1. Similarly, wire |90associated with the switch |62 in the 4|6 position is connected with thewire 406 which connects with the wire 408 leading to the re extinguisher382 in room No, 2. Wires |86 of the switches |62 are connected with awire 4|8 which leads to the coil 222, which coil is connected with awire 428 connected with a wire 422 connected with the wire 408 whichconnects with the battery 402. When the switch 384 in room No. l 'isclosed, the circuit through the coil 222 is closed as follows: terminal386, wire 398, wire |88, switch |62, wire |86, wire 418, coil 222, wire428, wire 422, battery 482, wire 386, wire 390 and switch 384. Suchenergization of the coil 222 causes the armature 224 to be attractedthereto for kicking the hook |38 out of holding relation with the hook|48 to permit the drop frame |18 to be drawn outwardly from the frame|16 to a position at rest on the roller |54. rlihus all the switches |62will be opened through the energization of the coil 222 through closingof a switch 384 in any one of the rooms.

Assuming that the knob 258 has been turned for electrically connectingthe wires 368 and 318 through the medium of the switch arm 312, thecircuit through the fire extinguisher 382 in room No. l will be closedas follows: battery 482, wire 386, wire 398, switch 384, terminal 386,wire 398, wire 392, lire extinguisher 382, wire 384, wire 388, wire 368,switch arm 312, wire 818 and wire 422 back to the battery 482. Normallythe re extinguishing switch 424 remains closed so that the fireextinguisher 382 in the room No. 1 will be automatically set inoperation when the switch 384 in that room is closed.

A motor driven attic fan 426 is connected with the wire |86 of theswitch |66, and the Wire |88 of this switch is connected with a wire 426which connects with the wire 386. A wire 438 connects the motor of thefan 426 with the wire 422, so

that the circuit through the motor of the attic ian 426 will be brokenwhenever the drop frame ||8` is unlatched. Thus I automatically cut orithe attic fan so as to prevent circulation of air during the lireemergency period.

Unlatching of the drop frame |8 closes all the switches |64, As theswitch |64 in the 432 position is closed, the following circuit isenergized: wire 2| 4, wire 368 of the fire department switch 434associated with the knob 260, assuming'v that the switch 434 is closed,wire 318 which leads to a fire department signal 436, a wire 438connected with the wire 422, battery 482, wire 428 and wire 218 back tothe switch |64 in the 432 position. Switch 434 may remain opento'beinanually closed, if necessary, when there is a firer in any one ofthe rooms. When the switch |64 in the 448 position is closed, thefollowing circuit is completed: wire 2|4, the motor of a force pump 442,a wire 444 connected with the wire 422, battery 482, wire 428, wire 2|8back to therswitch `|64 in the 448 position. When the switch |64 in the446 position is closed, the following circuit is made: wire 214, wire448, alarm 52, wire 458, wire 368 of the switch 452 associated withthe'knob 266, wire 310 connected with the wire 422, battery 482, wire454, wire 2|8 back to switch |64 in the 446 position. Thus the alarm 52will be sounded immediately upon dropping of the frame H8, assuming thatthe switch 452 is closed. In addition, the circuit through the lamps 3|6and 328 will be closed with the closing of the switch |64 in the 446position for illuminating the boxes 3|8 and 334 associated with thechamber 34'.

The switch 456 associated with the knob 264 has its Wire 310 connectedwith the wire 422 and its wire 368 leading to a lamp 458 whichilluminates an arrow 460 indicating the location of the ire escape. Lamp458 is connected with a wire 462 connected with a wire 464 attached tothe wire 448. It will thus be seen that lamp 458 will be illuminatedwhen the switch 456 is closed, assuming that the drop frame ||8 isunlatched so that the switch |64 in the 446 position is closed.

In association with the lamp 458 I provide an audible signal 466 whichis connected with thewire 464 and the wire 368 of the switch 468associated with the knob 262. The signal 466 may be actuated throughclosing of the switch 468 under the conditions applying to switch 456` Alamp 418 is wired to the wire 464 and the wire 368 of the switch 456 inthe same manner as the lamp 466 for illuminating a sign reading smallfire, as at 412. An audible signal 414 is connected with the wire 464and the wire 368 associated with the switch 468. Thus closing of theswitch 456 will illuminate both lamps 458 and 418, while closing of theswitch 468 will close the circuits through the audible signals 468 and414.

Figures 9 and 11 illustrate the indicating boards associated with thelamps 458 and 418 and the signals 466 and 414. Figure 9 illustrates theaudible signal 466 as being associated with the lamp 458, both of whichare enclosed within a box 416 which may be located in the building inthe most advantageous position. The glass front 418 is provided with thereading fire escape, as indicated at 480, and the arrow 460 appears onthe glass 418 so that both the arrow and the reading matter will beilluminated.

Figure 1l illustrates the board associated with the lamp 410 and thesignal 414. The box 482 carries a glass front 484 upon which the readingsmall fire appears. Signal dit? is housed in the box, and the box ispartitioned at 488 to provide of the system will be readily understood.The

a chamber 488 in which I mount a lamp 490 for one chief distinguishingfeature lies in the substitution of an appropriate burglar closure ofconventional design in each of the rooms.

In lieu oi the battery 402 line current may be connected with theterminals 498 and 4%. Terminal 394 is connected with a wire 388connected with the wire 486, while the terminal 486 is connected withthe wire 428.

I claim:

1. In a warning signal circuit having a pluu rality of self-openingswitches and a plurality of self-closing switches arranged in verticallyspaced groups: A pivotally mounted frame normally inclined to thevertical, arms of progressively shorter lengths in the direction of thepivotal axis of said frame and acting on said selfopening switches andsaid self-closing switches to normally hold the switches in closed andopened positions, respectively, a latch for holding said frame in itsnormal position, a solenoid for releasing said latch, and means forbiasing said frame to an inoperative position for moving said arms awayfrom said self-opening and self-closing switches.

2. The invention described in claim 1 wherein a manually actuatedpivotal member coacts with said frame to move the latter to its normalposition and into latched engagement with said latch.

DOCK R. WHEELER.

